Sand Painter's Meticulous Process Revealed in Hypnotic Time-Lapses

Using colored sand to create geometric mandalas is an ancient practice. Ever since he picked up his first fistful of colored sand in 2006, visual artist Joe Mangrum has captivated people with his vibrant sand paintings. Created spontaneously, Mangrum's intricate hand-poured sand art reflects his fascination with the tensions that occur between the natural and unnatural orders of life.

"[We are] a society divided from nature and compartmentalized into definable groups, disconnected physically and spiritually from the whole," Mangrum writes in his artist statement. "I work to reclaim these divisions by creating sand paintings, in organic shapes, interconnecting the fragments and acting as a catalyst for a synthesis, again."

Check out this video to see him install a sand painting in a New York City park while people stop to admire his craftsmanship.

Mangrum has also installed sand painting on the floors of the Doe Museum in Zuidlaren, Netherlands. The museum commissioned eight sand paintings this summer.

Although he is based in New York, Mangrum has traveled the world, beautifying sidewalks, museum floors, and other grounded surfaces.

Continue below to see more time-lapse videos of these phenomenal works, along with photos of other works, and be sure to check out his website and follow him on Facebook for the latest updates.